Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Abbey couldn't help but snicker, her gaze sweeping over the pile of fruits Norris had brought: "Sis, did you guys also buy cherries? How come they look so much smaller than the ones Raven got?" Madge's smile faltered slightly, her tone gentle: "How can we compare to Raven's family?"

Abbey burst into laughter: "Well, that's true! Maddox and Raven's place, naturally, is unmatched."

Roseanne smirked, seemingly casual: "Aunt Abbey, what fruits did you get?"

Abbey's smile froze.

Roseanne appeared not to notice, conveniently the bag was right by her feet, she casually rifled through it: "Let's see... apples, pears, oranges..."

Not a single one was a pricey fruit of the season.

"Looks like Aunt Abbey knows how to pick, all stuff we regularly enjoy."

Abbey found the comment grating, yet couldn't fault Roseanne's words: "Yes, yes, thought I'd pick up something everyone loves..."

Truth be told, Abbey came from a decent background, both her parents were permanent staff at the power company and her father even held a minor official position. Being the only daughter, she never lacked for anything growing up.

Yet, she was known to be frugal, not particularly generous towards others.

Especially towards her own family.

Roseanne: "Aunt Abbey really thought this through."

Abbey was at a loss for words.

"Cough..." Raven cleared her throat and suggested, "Let's not just talk. How about some fruit?"

"Sure, thanks Aunt Raven." Roseanne boldly popped a cherry into her mouth, "Indeed sweet."

Abbey, however, found no taste in her own mouthful.

She felt awkward, turning to her husband, hoping for a few comforting words.

But Irving didn't even glance her way.

"Mom, have a couple more, they're both crunchy and sweet!" Lauretta gestured for her to hurry, or else there'd be none left. Abbey was speechless.

"All you know is eat, eat, eat, you two are here to torment me!"

Lauretta and Irving were both puzzled, thinking, "Is she out of her mind?"

Soon it was noon, and the

housekeeper had already come out from the kitchen three or four times asking when they could serve funch. Raven: "Let's wait a bit longer, Quincy isn't done yet."

The matriarch immediately nodded: "Let's wait for everyone."

Another hour passed, and Raven began to look upstairs towards the study: Mum, dad, shall we start? It's the holiday season, we can't have everyone waiting hungry, right?"

"That's alright, I'm not hungry, dear, are you?"

"Not hungry."

"Anyone else hungry?" The matriarch immediately looked around.

Silence fell.

"Alright, then let's wait a bit more." The matriarch made the final call.

Suddenly, "Wait for what? For me?"

A female voice came from the entrance, shedding her winter coat to reveal a sleek black suit, her hair neatly tied back. "Alva?!" The matriarch stood up from the couch, surprised at her daughter. "Didn't you say you had to work, couldn't make it?"

Alva Cole, a branch manager at a bank, had informed them earlier that she had to work over the holiday and wouldn't be able to join.

"I had someone cover for me, just stepped out for a bit, it's just for a meal, no big deal," she said, changing her shoes.

"Big sis, second sis, second brother

third brother, third sister-in-law..."

she began greeting everyone, then her gaze landed on Roseanne, "Apne's back?"

"Hi, Aunt Alva." Roseanne greeted.

"You've grown up, and more beautiful, only..." Her gaze swept across Roseanne's face, then to the bag beside her, frowning slightly. "Alva, come, have some fruit." Raven warmly invited.

Alva smiled, handing over a small box: "A Christmas' gift, for Raven who's been so busy with the family all year, you've worked hard." Raven was somewhat surprised, "For me?"